18.6.2025

Change brings opportunities for growth

‘We live in exceptional times’ – a phrase that has come to define this decade. Markets today are shaped by global trade tensions, war on European soil, and a historic wave of technological transformation. In this landscape, predictability is no longer the norm – volatility and constant change are. Businesses must now thrive in a world where uncertainty is part of the operating environment.

While change brings its challenges, it also opens the door to growth and innovation. We’ve had the privilege of supporting clients at the forefront of this evolution – from breakthroughs in quantum technology, cybersecurity, health tech, circular economy, satellite technology, clean energy, and more. These shifts are generating transactions, driving investment, and creating real momentum.

At Castrén & Snellman, our team is stronger than ever. Across sectors, clients count on us for clear, strategic advice that helps them seize opportunities in this fast-moving world.

This new era demands advisors who are agile, future-focused, and pragmatic. Our role is to help clients navigate complexity with confidence – and that means contracts built for change, and teams ready to deliver from day one, backed by deep expertise and experience.

AI is a prime example of this shift. Our clients share our ambition to harness its potential, and we’re already seeing how it can enhance both the speed and quality of legal work. This means we can devote even more time to the strategic challenges that matter most. We’re well on our way and excited to share our learnings. The conversations we’ve had with clients around this have been insightful and energising – a true reflection of our collaborative Castrén spirit, which has guided our firm for 137 years.

It has been an honour to step into the role of Managing Partner and lead our firm into this next chapter. I look forward to working even more closely with you – our clients, colleagues and partners.

I wish you all a bright summer!

Latest references

We assisted Citycon Oyj in the sale of the Lippulaiva residential assets in Espoo, Finland. The sold residential assets consist of 275 apartments totaling approximately 13,000 sqm, located in connection to Citycon’s Lippulaiva shopping centre. The assets were sold at their latest IFRS book value for a gross purchase price of EUR 61.5 million.
Case published 19.12.2025
We advised S-Bank Plc in its issuance of a EUR 150 million Senior Non-Preferred Notes and on the tender offer of its EUR 150 million Senior Preferred MREL Eligible Notes maturing in 2026. The tender offer required prior approval from the Finnish Financial Stability Authority based on the Commission’s regulatory technical standards (EU) 2023/827. The Stability Authority granted S-Bank a permission for repurchases of the notes. Based on the permission, S-Bank replaced the notes with own funds or eligible liabilities instruments of equal or higher quality at terms that are sustainable for the income capacity of S-Bank. According to the final tender offer results published on 10 December 2025, S-Bank repurchased a total of EUR 97.9 million of the notes. The new notes will pay a floating interest rate, which is determined based on 3-month Euribor added with a margin of 1.35 per cent. The notes were issued on 11 December 2025 and listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. The maturity date of the notes is 11 December 2029. The purpose of the issue was to meet the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) and to finance the bank’s activities.
Case published 18.12.2025
We are assisting eQ Community Properties Fund in the sale of seven social infrastructure properties to Kinland AS. The value of the transaction is approximately EUR 29 million, and the portfolio comprises three preschool facilities and four child protection units from different parts of Finland. The portfolio consists of modern and energy-efficient properties that are long-term leased to leading operators in the industry. The Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term (WAULT) is approximately 11 years. The transaction is expected to close on 17 December 2025.
Case published 10.12.2025
We advised Ålandsbanken Abp in the consent solicitation process regarding its SEK 150,000,000 Tier 2 notes due December 2041 and SEK 200,000,000 Tier 2 notes due March 2043. The terms and conditions of the aforementioned instruments were amended by removing the write-down mechanisms in the consent solicitation process. In addition, we advised Ålandsbanken Abp on the issue of SEK 350 million Additional Tier 1 notes. The notes bear floating interest at the rate of STIBOR three months plus a margin of 3.35 per cent per annum. The AT1 notes were issued on 20 November 2025, and admitted to trading on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. The instrument has no maturity date and qualifies as Additional Tier 1 capital in accordance with the EU Capital Requirements Regulation. The issue strengthens Ålandsbanken’s capital structure by taking advantage of favourable market conditions.
Case published 10.12.2025